Me with Charlie My english Cocker springer Cross

The Cocker Spaniel is definitely a dog to remember. They have a beautiful appearance with their feathered medium length coat that can be found in buff, black, white, tan, black and tan, parti-colored and merle. They have a very distinct head with a broad jaw and a short tail, which is usually docked to about 2/5th of its original length.

Even with their breathtaking appearance, the Cocker Spaniel should never be considered to be a pampered pup. They work very well in the field and have proven themselves time and again to be an exceptional retriever and game bird dog. In fact, the name Cocker comes from the Cocker Spaniels use in hunting Woodcock.

They are very versatile when it comes to terrain and the Cocker Spaniel has been known to be excel in very difficult terrains that other dogs are not able to work in.

Despite that ability, the Cocker Spaniel is not a hard dog. They are very sweet and have a cheerful disposition that they are willing to share with everyone. They usually trust everyone and are as accepting of strangers as they are with people they know. They do well with children of all ages but do require gentle handling since they can be a bit timid.

They also require ample socialization since Cocker Spaniels can suffer from fearfulness, which can lead to problems such as biting, submissive urination and dominance problems. It is also important that they not be treated like a pampered pet since they will have problems such as separation anxiety that makes life difficult for all. It is very important that there are clear rules and roles established with a Cocker Spaniel to ensure the best success with it.

If you do train it properly, you will find that the Cocker Spaniel is an excellent retrieving breed that has a wonderfully soft mouth.

Pro’s and con’s of owning a Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is an excellent hunting dog and does an excellent job as a retriever since they have a very soft mouth. In addition, the Cocker Spaniel has a very sweet temperament that makes them an ideal companion and family dog. There are many traits that make these dogs a wonderful addition to any family but there are also many traits that are a definite con for the breed. It is important that you understand the Cocker Spaniel completely before you purchase one and that you understand your own experiences with dogs first since they are not recommended for first time dog owners.

The Pro’s

Like all dog breed, there are a number of pros when you look at a Cocker Spaniel.

• They are very friendly dogs that usually get along with everyone. They are even polite with strangers.
• They do well in most homes and can live in apartments without too much difficulty.
• Cocker Spaniels are energetic but they only need a small amount of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
• They are not known for their aggression and can do well in a home with multiple pets.
• They are usually eager to please, which makes them easier to train than some other breeds.

The Con’s

Again, although the Cocker Spaniel is a beautiful dog that has the diversity of being at home both in the field and with their family, there are a number of cons that potential owners should take into consideration before they purchase a Cocker Spaniel puppy.

• They do have a number of serious health problems but if you purchase them from a reputable breeder, the risk of those problems should be decreased.
• Cocker Spaniels thrive when they are with their family and will often suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone for long periods at a time.
• They can be problem barkers, especially if they are not trained or socialized properly.
• They can be a bit timid and without proper socialization, they can become very fearful. This can lead to a problem called submission urination where they urinate when they are scared or excited.
• Cocker Spaniels are average shedders and will produce a fair amount of hair, especially when they are “blowing” their coat. In addition, the Cocker Spaniel has a very unique scent that comes off their skin.
• They require daily grooming to keep them in top condition.
• It can take a fair amount of time to properly housetrain a Cocker Spaniel puppy.

Health Issues:

While the Cocker Spaniel does not have as many health concerns as other breeds, there are a number of illnesses that can affect the breed. It is very important to research your breeders and to make sure that they are only using dogs that have been properly screened for health problems. Some issues that are seen in the Cocker Spaniel are:

• Deafness
• Seborrhea
• Hypothyroidism
• Allergies
• Hepatitis
• Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
• Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Height & Weight:

The Cocker Spaniel is a small sized breed of gun dog and has the unique privilege of being the smallest of all sporting breeds registered with the American Kennel Club. Despite being so small, the Cocker Spaniel should have compact body that is very sturdy and athletic. They should have good balance and they should have a good balance. The Cocker Spaniel is another gundog that has a very strong head that is refined and clean in lines. They should have a square body that is as long as it is tall.

The size of a Cocker Spaniel is:

Males: 15 to 15.5 inches (38 to 39 cm) tall
Females: 14 to 14.5 inches (36 to 37 cm) tall

Both Males and Females range in weight from 15 to 30 pounds (7 to 14 kg).

Note: Height is always determined from the ground up to the withers, also known as the highest spot on the shoulders, of the dog.

Grooming:

Cocker Spaniels are considered to be an average shedder and does require a bit of grooming if you are to keep their silky coat clean and beautiful. Generally, the Cocker Spaniel should be brushed on a daily basis, if you keep the hair long. Many hunters and owners prefer to keep the hair short or at a medium length and will clip or shave the dog’s coat down.

In addition to the daily brushing, the Cocker Spaniel does require frequent baths. Usually about one or two a month will keep the Cocker Spaniel clean and the coat healthy. When you work a Cocker Spaniel in the field, it is important to make sure that you clean all debris from the coat to make sure that no mats occur.

The ears of the Cocker Spaniel should be kept free of dirt and debris and should be dried after the dog is wet since they can be prone to ear infections. The only other care that the Cocker Spaniel needs is to have their nails trimmed.

Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

History:

When we look at the history of the Cocker Spaniel, we should actually take the time to look at spaniels in general. Although it is unclear as to how the spaniel came to be, we do know that there were spaniel dogs as early as the 1300’s but it is believed that they may stretch back to about 55 B.C.

Although the actual origin of the spaniel is not clear, it is assumed that they were developed in Spain before they began to spread across the globe. In the early 1800’s the spaniel had seen a lot of progress in England and there were seven different breeds of spaniel. Most of the breeds were determined and bred according to how they flushed birds or how they were used for hunting.

Of the seven breeds, the Cocker Spaniel was one of them and was used to retrieve game birds, and more specifically, woodcocks, which is where the name originated. Generally, the Cocker Spaniel was used with the Springer Spaniel and both dogs brought a unique team together for the hunter. In addition, the Cocker Spaniel was admired for their good nature and ability to handle even the toughest of terrains, which made it a popular hunting breed.

At one time, both the Cocker and Springer Spaniels were considered one breed, with size being the only variable, but in 1892, the Kennel Club of England deemed that they should be separate breeds instead and the English Cocker Spaniel was created.

When the Cocker Spaniel was imported to North America, many breeders chose to breed the smaller puppies, producing a smaller breed than then the English Cocker Spaniel. In the 1940’s, the American Kennel Club determined that there was enough difference between the smaller Cocker Spaniel and their European relatives that they should be a separate breed. It was at that time that the American Cocker Spaniel came to be.

Grouping:

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Recognition:

FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CKC, CCR, APRI, ACR

For More Cocker Spaniel Info Go To American Spaniel Club

The Boykin Spaniel is an intelligent and eager to please gundog that has just recently been accepted by the AKC in the Miscellaneous Class. It is a versatile breed that is good natured and makes a wonderful family dog. In addition, the breed has shown that it can be utilized in the field in many ways.

A born swimmer, the Boykin Spaniel can retrieve both on land and in the water and is quite happy to do both. IT is also a breed that does exceptionally well flushing quarry and can be used in both dove fields and upland hunting.

The Boykin Spaniel, while still relatively unknown, is sure to delight many sportsmen and hunters in the years to come.

Pro’s and con’s of owning a Boykin Spaniel

It may be surprising that a relatively new breed that originated in the United States could possibly the next best thing when it comes to hunting dogs. The Boykin Spaniel is a versatile hunting dog that is intelligent, docile and can be used for both flushing and retrieving on both land and water. This versatility has made it apparent that the breed is definitely an active benefit to many sportsmen.

The Pro’s

One only has to see the Boykin Spaniel in the field to truly understand what a remarkable breed this is but besides its versatility with hunting, the Boykin Spaniel has a number of traits that make them a desirable dog for many.

• They are eager to please, making them easier than some breeds to train.
• Although they have high energy levels, they do well in an apartment if their exercise requirements are met.
• They do well with other animals and pets in the home with proper socialization.
• They have a pleasant and docile nature that makes them an ideal dog for families with children.

The Con’s

Like all breeds, there are a number of cons that should be taken into consideration before you purchase one.

• They have high energy and require at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise every day.
• They are intelligent dogs that need to be working. Without proper stimulation, a Boykin Spaniel can become bored and destructive.
• Boykin Spaniels can have a number of serious health problems such as heart and skin problems.
• They will wander away if they are allowed to.
• Although they are eager to please, they do require an owner that has clear and consistent rules.

Health Issues:

The Boykin Spaniel has a number of hereditary disorders and diseases that can affect it but like many other purebred breeds, there are clearances that should be done before a dog is bred. This ensures the longevity of the breed and keeping it as free from potential illnesses.

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Patellar Luxation
• Hypothyroidism
• Under Bites
• Cardiac and Heart Problems
• Eye Problems
• Seizures

Height & Weight:

The Boykin Spaniel is a medium sized dog that has good bone but is neither too heavy nor too light. The breed should be sturdy, sound in appearance and should have the medium build of an athletic breed. Its length should be equal to its height.

The size of the Boykin Spaniel is:

Males: 15.5 to 18.5 inches (39 to 47 cm) tall and 30 to 40 pounds (14 to 18 kg.)
Females: 14.5 to 16.5 inches (37 to 42 cm) tall and 25 to 35 pounds (11 to 16 kg.)

Note: Height is always determined from the ground up to the withers, also known as the highest spot on the shoulders, of the dog.

Grooming:

The Boykin Spaniel has a long dense coat that can be cared for in a variety of ways and there is actually no breed standard to how you keep your dog’s coat. Generally, if you are using your dog for anything other than hunting, you can keep the coat long but if you are using your dog as a gundog, especially for dove fields, it is recommended that you clip the dog’s coat close to skin.

If you choose to keep clipping to a minimum, you should maintain your dog’s coat whenever you use them for hunting. Because they have a soft coat, they tend to pick up a lot of debris when they are in the field so after hunting, you should brush out your dog to remove all of the dirt and debris. If you are not hunting, or if you clip your dog’s coat, you should brush your dog once a week to remove any mats.

Boykin Spaniels do not need to be bathed on a regular basis and they should not be bathed more than once a month and it is important that you use quality pet shampoos when you do. Nails should be kept trimmed and ears should be check regularly and removed of any debris and wax.

Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

History:

The Boykin Spaniel actually has a very short history and it can trace its lineage back to one specific dog that was discovered in the early 1900’s in South Carolina by Alexander L. White (1860-1942) on his way home from church. The dog, known as Dumpy, was a small spaniel of unknown origins but that obscurity didn’t stop Alexander L. White from seeing the potential as a retriever that the dog had.

During that time, many hunters were facing a problem with traditional retrievers since the marshes in the area only afforded hunters to navigate them with wooden boats. Large retrievers were much too big for the boats alongside all the additional gear and men that would go out to hunt. This lead many hunters towards trying to produce a lighter and smaller retriever that could produce the same results that their larger counterparts could.

A main breeder in this effort was L. W. “Whit” Boykin (1861-1932), to whom Dumpy was given after Alexander L. White realized the ability the dog had. From there, Dumpy became the foundation dog for the Boykin Spaniel. Other breeds, including the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the Cocker Spaniel, American Water Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel were introduced into Dumpy’s line to produce a small versatile gundog that performed well both on land and in the water.

The Boykin Spaniel Society was founded in 1977 and the official registry began in 1979 to maintain the pedigree of the Boykin Spaniel. Today, efforts are being made to see the Boykin Spaniel be officially recognized by the AKC in the Sporting group. It has been a part of the Foundation Stock Service with the American Kennel Club since 1997 and has been accepted into the Miscellaneous Class since 2008.

Grouping:

Gun Dog, Miscellaneous Class

Recognition:

BSCBAA, FCI, UKC, NKC, CKC, APRI, BSS, ACR

For more info on the Boykin Spaniel

Knowing Your Gun Dogs Health Issues Will Help You Choose A Breed That Suits You.

When it comes to purchasing a gundog, the ultimate goal, besides finding an excellent hunting companion, is to find a dog that is as free of medical problems as possible. This is not always as easy as it sounds but there are things that a potential buyer can do before purchasing a puppy.

First, it is very important that you take the time to read up on your potential breed. On each of my gun dog breed profiles, I have listed a number of health concerns that you should be aware of. While some of the conditions cannot be screened for, many of them can be prevented. Knowing what health concerns your potential breed has will aid you in finding a breeder that only breeds healthy stock.

When you do find a breeder, make sure to check that all clearances have been done. If a dog breed is prone to hip or elbow dysplasia, such as in the case of Labrador Retrievers, clearances should be done on both the hips and elbows. Even if a dog breed does not have a disposition to dysplasia, many breeders will still perform the clearances to ensure that it does not become a breed problem. In addition, eye exams are also very common as is health checks.

Although choosing puppies from a healthy and cleared dog does not mean that your puppy will be free of inherent diseases, it does mean that your gundog puppy has a great chance of not developing them, which is the best you can do.

Since there are a number of conditions that gundog breeds can inherit, I would like to break this up into smaller sections. I will go over what every health problem is and some of the ways that it is treated.

The first that I am going to look at are five of the most common bone and joint health problems that you find in gundog breeds today.

Bone and Joint Health Problems:

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip Dysplasia is a very common health problem that can be seen in many dog breeds, including a high number of gundog and sports dogs. Although it is common, many dogs, even with a breed disposition to hip dysplasia can go through life without any hip problems.

To raise the chance that your dog will be free of hip dysplasia, only purchase a puppy from a breeder that has had hip clearances on the dogs that he breeds.

Hip Dysplasia is a degenerative disease and it can be both genetic (passed on by parents) and environmental (factors in the puppy’s environment). The disease affects the hip joints due to abnormal growth and development throughout the dog’s life. Eventually, the hip joint is weakened and the dog begins to have symptoms associated with hip dysplasia.

The symptoms of hip dysplasia are generally seen over a length of time. Usually, owners will notice that the dog seems stiff and in pain after vigorous exercise and when the dog is running, they see less extension in the hind legs. It is very common for a dog with hip dysplasia to run in a “bunny hop.” As the disease progresses, the stiffness will begin to occur when the dog is at rest and owners will find that the dog will begin to have difficulty standing up or moving.

Although hip dysplasia generally affects middle age dogs, it can be seen in puppies, some as young as five months old. In the case the hip dysplasia not being genetic, it is usually caused by environmental factors such as improper nutrition while the dog was developing.

There are treatments for hip dysplasia can be surgery and it may be paired with medications or a treatment plan that involves physical therapy, weight management and proper nutrition.

Elbow Dysplasia: Like Hip Dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia is a degenerative disease that can affect several breeds of gundogs. The main difference is that elbow dysplasia affects the elbow joint, although it is still malformed due to abnormal growth and development.

Again, elbow dysplasia is seen in different levels and it is very difficult for veterinarians to predict how it will affect a specific dog. In some cases, dogs are affected severely with lameness in the affected limbs, while other dogs suffer from arthritis but no other symptoms.

Treatment of elbow dysplasia is similar to hip dysplasia with surgery, medications and a treatment plan that may involve weight management, proper nutrition and physical therapy.

Patellar Luxation: Although Patellar Luxation is a problem that is more commonly seen in small dogs, there are a number of gundogs that can suffer from this. Also known as “slipped stifles,” patellar luxation is when the patella is not properly lined up in a limb. If you are unsure what this is, the patella is the knee cap on a dog where the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (calf bone) are connected. When the patella is not properly lined up, the bones begin to rub against each other.

This can lead to many problems for the dog, including arthritis and could lead to lameness in the affected leg. When you are looking at Patellar Luxation, there are actually four grades. Grade 1 is an occasional luxation. This can lead to a temporary lameness in the affected joint. In each grade, the alignment and subsequent turning is more severe and the effects on the legs are as well. In grad IV, the turning is very severe and the dog may have a bowlegged appearance.

Patellar Luxation is present at birth although the actual luxation usually occurs much later in life. Treatment of the disease is usually surgery.

Osteochondrosis Dissecans: This is a disorder that has been linked to being the cause of Elbow Dysplasia, although it is still not clear if Osteochondrosis Dissecans occurs before the elbow dysplasia or after it. In any case, Osteochondrosis is a disorder that affects the elbows and in some cases the shoulders of a dog. When it occurs, it creates a painful stiffing of the joint to the point where the dog is unable to bend it.

Although Osteochondrosis Dissecans is a genetic disorder, it can also be caused by environmental factors such as a severe trauma to the joint or an improper diet. In regards to the later, studies have indicated that high protein diets may be the cause of higher severity in Osteochondrosis Dissecans cases.

Regardless of the cause, the main reason for the stiffness in the joint is the improper growth of the cartilage. Treatment can either be surgery to remove the cartilage or it can be treated medically.

Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament: Although this condition does not affect a large number of gundogs, it still affects a few of them and is a high risk for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Before we look at what a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament is, it is important to look at the knee, which is made up of several parts; the femur (thigh bone), tibia (calf bone), patella (knee cap) and the cruciate ligaments (anterior and posterior), which crisscross across the joint to prevent the tibia and femur from rubbing together.

When there is a rupture, one (specifically the anterior in this case) cruciate ligament is torn and the femur and tibia begin to move against each other. This leads to swelling in the knee and a sudden lameness in the dog’s affected leg.

The cause of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament can be from a twisting motion in the dog’s leg caused by a slip, a sudden turn when running or in some cases, being hit by a car. Treatment of the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament is usually surgery and then restriction of movement for the dog until the ligament has healed.

If You have a Cocker spaniel like me there is a great new web site set up at Cocker Spaniel Health, If you know of any other sites for different breeds let me know and i will pass them on for fellow readers.

2 Cocker Spaniel, But Do They Make Good Gun Dogs

As you probably know I have a cocker spaniel called ‘Charlie’ who I have had for 3 years now. I love Charlie and would not change him for the world but is a spaniel right for you?

Pro’s and con’s of owning a Cocker Spaniel.

Cocker Spaniels are very sweet-natured. They are as popular both on the hunt and as household pets; and this is with good reason.

The Pro’s

There are loads of good points about the cocker spaniel and even though they were breed as a hunting dog (Woodcocks to be precise)

• They are intelligent but not stubborn.
• They are easy to train and willing to respond to commands.
• They are playful and well-rounded toward other animals.
• They are great if you have young kids as they love to play.
• They are great at flushing out birds as they will go through anything (even brambles and thorn)
• They are good retrieving dogs especially for bird hunting, as they have soft mouths.

The Con’s

There are few cons with the cocker spaniel. The main concern people have is with their health. Since this is such a popular dog, people tend to breed without discretion. This brings a problem of mixing in bloodlines that are filled with past problems.

Some health concerns this can create are:

• hip dysphasia
• cataracts
• entropian
• elbow dysphasia
• Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia.

Do not let this put you off getting a Cocker spaniel though as the pro’s far outweigh the cons. But it is best if you buy this breed for a reputable dog breeder. Do not visit puppy farms and the alike. You need to have a dog that has been thoroughly screened and whose bloodline is clean. Ask to see the puppies parents if possible, this should be enough to assure you that you are getting a great dog.

Due to the problems which may come with spaniel ownership I would recommend taking out HEALTH INSURANCE.

Height & Weight:

The Male is usually 28-34 pounds and between 15-17 inches high.
The Female is usually 26-32 pounds and 14-16 inches high.

Grooming:

The coat does require regular combing. Some Cocker Spaniels have coats that are prone to matting, while others tend to lay flat, so some trimming is necessary, particularly around the pads of the feet.

Shampoo and bath regularly also check ears carefully for wax and foreign material, particularly after outdoor play.

Life Expectancy:

Well cared for dogs can be expected to live up to 15 years old.

History:

As I mentioned earlier they were bread for hunting woodcocks in the 1800’s. In the 1800’s there were lots of types of spaniels including the Clumber, the Welsh Springer, the Field, the Sussex, the Irish Water Spaniel, the Field, and the Cocker. In 1892 the Cocker and Springer Spaniels were divided into separate breeds, and in the 1940s, the English and American Cocker Spaniels were divided again.

Grouping:

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Recognition:

CKC, ACR, NKC, APRI, FCI, KCGB, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC, CCR

Training:

The great thing about the cocker spaniel is you can either train your Cocker Spaniel as a pet or as a hunter or combine both training methods. We find the best way to train is to train your cocker as a hunting dog. This seems to give you a more obedient pet whether you use him on the field or not.